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Hollywood reacts to Art Linkletter's death [Updated]

May 26, 2010 | 3:04
pm

The Walt Disney Co. issued a statement Wednesday from its president and chief executive, Robert A. Iger, on the death of Art Linkletter:

"Throughout Art’s 60 years in show business, he remained one of the most respected and beloved media personalities in America. Art had forged a great friendship with our founder Walt Disney, which led him to host Disneyland’s groundbreaking live opening day broadcast on ABC in 1955. Art had remained a good friend to the company ever since, and we honored him with the prestigious Disney Legends Award in 2005. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by Art’s passing and extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones."

Grammy-winning producer Quincy Jones also commented on Linkletter's death in a statement:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and neighbor of more than 20 years, Art Linkletter. To know Art, it was easy to see how a man of such humble beginnings could achieve as much as he did in life. Right until the end, he was one of the brightest, funniest, inspiring and profound people that I have ever known. Art would always say, ‘Quincy, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans,’ and he was right. My most heartfelt condolences go out to his beautiful wife Lois and his daughters Sharon and Dawn. I have no doubt that Art Linkletter’s presence in Heaven will keep a smile on God’s face, as it did for so many of us here on earth."

[Updated at 4:25 p.m.: President Reagan's widow, Nancy, also issued a statement Wednesday:

"I was very saddened today to hear of the death of Art Linkletter. He was a good friend for a long, long time, and Ronnie and I admired him very much. Art was great to be around, always warm and optimistic, and he loved people. Art lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s as I did, and even in his later years he worked tirelessly to help find a cure for this terrible disease. My deepest sympathy goes out to Lois and the entire family."

The Associated Press also reported these reactions to Linkletter's death:

Bill Cosby, who collaborated with Linkletter on the TV show "Kids Saw the Darndest Things": "Because of Art Linkletter, adults found themselves enjoying children."